BA Sociology

Year 3

(Award available for year: Bachelor of Arts)

Learning outcomes

On completion of this programme students should have provided evidence of knowledge of:
- key concepts and theoretical approaches that have been developed and are developing within sociology;
- social context, of the nature of social processes, and of social diversity and inequality;
- the value of comparative analysis;
- the relationship between individuals, groups and social institutions;
- the role of culture in social life and the social processes underpinning social change;
- a range of qualitative and quantitative research strategies and methods;
- the relationship between sociological argument and evidence;
- the distinctive character of sociology in relation to other forms of understanding, such as its relation to other disciplines and to everyday explanations (QAA, Benchmark; 3.2).

Transferable (key) skills

Students will have had the opportunity to acquire, as defined in the modules specified for the programme:
- the transferable/key/generic skills necessary for employment related to Sociology;
- the exercise of initiative and personal responsibility;
- the deployment of decision making skills in complex and unpredictable situations;
- the communication of information, ideas, problems and solutions in a variety of ways;
- the ability to undertake appropriate further training of a professional or equivalent nature.

Assessment

Achievement will be assessed by a variety of methods in accordance with the learning outcomes of the modules specified for the year/programme and will include:
- demonstrating the ability to apply a broad range of aspects of Sociology;
- work that draws on a wide variety of Sociological material;
- the ability to evaluate and criticise received Sociological opinion;
- evidence of an ability to conduct independent, in depth enquiry within Sociology;
- Sociological work that is typically both evaluative and creative.

Learning context

The learning context for this year/award will include the use of complex and unpredictable situations. The study will be structured within a framework that provides both breadth and depth and opportunities for demonstrating proficiency in the application of concepts and techniques.

Opportunities will be provided for students to develop interests and informed opinions and to undertake some autonomous study.